‘Biyahe ni Drew’ travel hacks: 7 no-entrance-fee destinations in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it on a budget! In fact, many attractions in South Korea’s capital city are available for free or at very cheap entrance fees. And we’re not talking places that are second best to ones you need to pay to see — these include some of Korea’s most famous landmarks.

[Related: Seoul, the city of many charms]

Here are seven spots to include for a budget-friendly trip to Seoul.

Gyeongbokgung
Entrance fee to Gyeongbokgung, the oldest and largest of Seoul’s palaces, costs W3,000 (P130). But if you plan your itinerary right, you can maximize your visit by taking advantage of the free attractions. Across the street from Gyeongbokgung is Gwanghwamun Square, which features the golden statue of King Sejong, who invented Korea’s alphabet (hangeul) in 1443.

At 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, Gyeongbokgung holds its changing of the guards ceremony, which is visible even if you won’t enter the main palace grounds. There is a free English tour of the palace grounds at 11:00 a.m. The palace ticket comes with free entrance to the National Folk Museum of Korea. Located within the palace grounds, this museum features art and artifacts from the rural provinces of Korea.

How to get there: Take the subway to Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 5; or to Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5), Exit 2.

Cheonggyecheon
Walking distance from Gwanghwamun and Seoul City Hall, Cheonggyecheon is an 8.5-kilometer stream running through Seoul’s central business district. Take out a sandwich and have a walking breakfast along its banks, or visit at night to enjoy the colored lights.

How to get there: Take the subway to City Hall Station. Take Exit 5 and walk straight until you see Cheonggyecheon Plaza.

Seoul City Hall and Seoul Metropolitan Library
Architecture lovers will enjoy the Seoul City Hall, which has a curved, futuristic facade and vertical gardens inside. In the basement, there’s a small museum and interactive exhibits. Beside that building is the Seoul Metropolitan Library, one of the filming locations for PSY’s “Gentleman” music video.

How to get there: Take the subway to City Hall Station (Lines 1 and 2). Take Exit 5 and walk straight until you see Seoul City Hall.

War Memorial of Korea
Whether you’re a history buff or just a casual observer of cool things, the War Memorial has something for you. This museum chronicles the many wars Korea has been through, and features artifacts and strategies from each one. In the park outside the main building, you’ll see tanks and battleships used during the Korean War.

How to get there: Take the subway to Samgakji Station (Line 6), Exit 1, 11 or 12; or Namyeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 1.

National Museum of Korea
It’s hard to believe that this sprawling museum has no entrance fee. You could spend a whole day here just taking in the art and cultural pieces. For a taste of Korea’s grandiose history, there are crowns from the Silla Dynasty, a ten-story stone pagoda, and bells as tall as a person.

How to get there: Take the subway to Ichon Station (Line 4 & Jungang Line), Exit 2. There’s an underpass connecting the subway to the museum.

Samsung D’Light
Get a taste of “Gangnam Style” without the hefty price tag. Despite being located in the affluent district of Seoul, the Samsung D’Light Museum is free for the public. Here, you can play with new products and concept technology by South Korea’s homegrown tech giant.

How to get there: Take the subway to Gangnam Station (Line 2). Samsung D’Lite Museum is just outside.

KBS ON
Remember the Korean dramas Boys Over Flowers, The Innocent Man, and Full House? The TV network that produced them, KBS, operates the first museum dedicated to the history and evolution of the country’s broadcasting industry. KBS ON is located inside the KBS network compound and lets visitors pretend to be news anchors, see a timeline of famous Korean dramas, and play in a chroma key studio.

How to get there: Take the subway to National Assembly Station (Line 9), Exit 4.

–PF, GMA News

Related:
Seoul, the city of many charms

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